Holidays provide a much needed break from your daily routines, giving you a chance to take a step back, relax, and explore new destinations. Travelling offers incredible health benefits, such as reducing stress, and improved mental health, and a fit to fly certificate plays a pivotal role, ensuring you’re medically cleared and safe to travel. Discover how a fit to fly certificate can simplify your travel experience. From understanding medical conditions that could affect your ability to fly to knowing when you might need one, we’ve got you covered.
What is a fit to fly certificate?
A fit to fly certificate is a medical document provided by a qualified healthcare provider stating that an individual is fit to travel by air. For example, if you’ve recently undergone surgery, have chronic respiratory conditions, or are pregnant, you may need to obtain a fit to fly certificate before travelling.
The certificate might include information about your condition, the necessary precautions to take during the flight, and any medication or equipment you may need to carry. It will also help airlines to make sure that you’re medically cleared to travel and allow them to accommodate your medical needs, such as additional oxygen supply or extra leg room.
Do I need a fit to fly certificate?
Most people can fly without issues, but some medical conditions or recovery times may make travel risky without a doctor’s approval. If any of the conditions below apply to you, it’s best to get a fit to fly certificate.
Medical conditions that might require a fit to fly certificate
- If you’re recovering from surgery – especially if you’ve undergone a major surgery recently involving the chest, or abdomen.
- If you have a serious heart condition – like unstable angina, or severe arrhythmias or if you’ve had a heart attack recently.
- If you have a respiratory condition – including COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), asthma, or if you rely on oxygen therapy.
- If you have deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or blood clots – you might be at a higher risk of complications when flying.
Before booking a flight, check with your doctor, especially if you have a pre-existing medical condition or have been recently ill. Some conditions not listed above might require a fit-to-fly certificate, so if you’re unsure, consult your doctor before your trip.
Medical conditions that could prevent flying
There are several health conditions that may prevent you from flying, including severe heart conditions such as unstable angina, heart attacks, and recent bypass surgeries.
Respiratory conditions that are severe, such as chronic asthma, pneumonia, and active tuberculosis, could pose serious risks to your health if you choose to fly. Other serious conditions include infectious diseases such as the flu or COVID-19, severe anemia, and acute mental health conditions, to name a few.
Then there are other health issues that may arise if you travel without medical supervision or clearance, especially if you have certain conditions. These include severe psychiatric disorders and serious ear and sinus infections.
If you suffer from any of these conditions, consult with your doctor to determine if it’s safe for you to travel and if a fit to fly certificate is necessary.
How to get a fit to fly certificate from a doctor
You will need to visit your doctor or a medical professional to obtain a fit to fly certificate before you make travel arrangements. After they assess your health, look at your medical history and determine if you’re safe to fly, then the doctor will request further information or additional tests to support the certificate. But if your condition is not too serious, the doctor may provide the certificate right after your assessment.
However, if you’re recovering right after a major surgery (such as heart, hip replacement, or abdominal surgery) or have a serious condition, the process may take longer as your doctor will need to monitor your recovery before certifying you as fit to fly. This is to make sure you’re physically stable enough to handle the pressure changes and immobility that come with flying. Your doctor will consider how long you’ve been recovering and whether you’re likely to experience complications during the flight.
How long is fit to fly certificate valid for?
The length of time a fit to fly certificate is valid for can vary. At the very least, your certificate should state that you are fit to fly at the precise moment of your trip. If you happen to have a long-term medical condition, you may need to update the certificate each time you travel, as the status of your health might have changed. It’s also advisable to check with the airline as some may require the certificate to be dated within a certain period before your flight.
How much does it cost to get a fit to fly certificate?
Getting a fit to fly certificate from an NHS GP typically incurs a fee, as this service is not covered under standard NHS services. The cost varies depending on the GP practice and region, generally ranging from £20 to £40.
Travel with peace of mind with Avanti
When it comes to air travel, your health and safety matter. A fit to fly certificate can offer peace of mind for both you and the airline, ensuring you’re fit to fly without putting your health at risk.
If you have a medical condition or have recently undergone surgery, consult your healthcare provider before travelling. It’s also wise to consider travel insurance to ensure you’re fully covered for any unexpected issues.
Avanti provides travel insurance with cover for cancellation, lost baggage, and for most pre-existing medical conditions, giving you added reassurance. With the right cover in place, you can focus on enjoying your trip and making memories at your dream destination.
